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Consider These Factors before Buying a VPN

Although the main reason why we want to buy a VPN service is to protect our data while browsing the internet, we also want to be delivered with more than the expected services. You might think that all VPN services are the same – ‘just provide me with a different IP address and I’m good to go’ – but that is not the case here.

These Factors before Buying a VPN

Here are a few things that you should consider before choosing a VPN service to trust with your online privacy.

Security Encryption and Protocols. This factor is where your security is built upon so it is important that you pay attention to this. Although most VPN services offer PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and OpenVPN (there are some that will let you choose your preferred protocol), be on the lookout for those that offer IKEv2, the newest and most advanced protocol. OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec are the most recommended protocols because PPTP is the least secure among these.

Recording of Activity Logs. The main idea of using a VPN is to remain anonymous and keep your online activity private, so never buy VPN services that keep logs. This includes the websites that you visit, the IP address that you are using, and the data transferred between your computer and the websites. However, some services keep connection logs, like the time and duration of your connection, but always opt for those that truly value their subscriber’s privacy and anonymity.

Servers and Server Locations. Look for VPN services with a lot of servers in numerous locations around the globe. This way, you will have plenty of choices in case you want to access geo-restricted websites and other content. Unlimited server-switching is also a feature offered by many VPNs – this will allow you to switch servers as frequently as you want to, making you difficult to track in case anyone tries to monitor you.

Device Connection and Compatibility. Buying a VPN service would be entirely useless if it is not supported by your device’s operating system. You shouldn’t stress on this too much because almost (if not all) VPN support Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android. Pay attention to the ease of setting-up the software and whether it is user-friendly or not. Also look for services that let you connect as many devices to your VPN as possible.

As with any other paid services, the price should also be considered because it could be an indicator of the quality provided by the VPN service (although this is not applicable to everything). Choose subscription plans which are affordable, but never compromise the security features just because a VPN is cheap. You can make use of free trials that are offered by VPN services so you can test the waters first before fully subscribing to a particular service.

Free vs. Paid VPN – What Should I Choose?

We have to admit that free services are hard to resist. Paying for these services, however, will give you more advantages. After all, you get what you pay for, and if you aren’t paying for anything, then your privacy is compromised.

There are a lot of VPN services offering you security which is ‘free’ from charge. Although some of it are actually legitimate (TunnelBear is a free VPN service which has a good reputation), some of these free services could be a hoax – after all, you are not paying them to keep your privacy, so what is stopping them from using your private information and using it to their advantage?

Here are the downsides of some free VPN, and why you should always choose paid VPN as much as possible.

Poor security and lack of strong protocols. Most free VPNs are not equipped with the latest or the strongest protocols, which makes it easier for third parties to be able to see your traffic. With paid VPNs, you can choose from L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, SSTP, SSH, and IKEv2.

Slow connection. Using a free VPN along with so many other users at the same time makes for a slow connection due to the lack of bandwidth. With a paid VPN, you are paying for a bandwidth and multiple servers, so you will have a lot of options to choose from.

Keeping logs of your activities. These services could keep a record of your browsing history, email, account usernames, and bank account details and use them to steal your identity. Furthermore, they could also sell your bandwidth to the highest bidder.

Customer support. Most free VPNs do not provide round-the-clock support in case you are having difficulties with your connection. Paid VPNs, however, usually gives you options such as live chat, email, or FAQs articles.

Few location options. With free VPNs, there are only a few locations that you can choose from, not to mention the limited server-switching. A paid VPN offers locations from almost anywhere in the world and lets you switch servers whenever you want to.